Point Prevalence Of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research Articles

Serious life events and post-traumatic stress disorder in the Norwegian population.

It has been suggested that countries with more resources and better healthcare have populations with a higher risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Norway is a high-income country with good public healthcare. To examine lifetime trauma exposure and the point prevalence of PTSD in the general Norwegian population. A survey was administered to a national probability sample of 5500 adults (aged ≥18 years). Of 4961 eligible individuals, 1792 responded (36%). Responders and non-responders did not differ significantly in age, gender or urban versus rural residence. Trauma exposure was measured using the Life Events Checklist for the DSM-5. PTSD was measured with the PTSD Checklist for the DSM-5. We used the DSM-5 diagnostic guidelines to categorise participants as fulfilling the PTSD symptom criteria or not. At least one serious lifetime event was reported by 85% of men and 86% of women. The most common event categories were transportation accident and life-threatening illness or injury. The point prevalence of PTSD was 3.8% for men and 8.5% for women. The most common events causing PTSD were sexual and physical assaults, life-threatening illness or injury, and sudden violent deaths. Risk of PTSD increased proportionally with the number of event categories experienced. High estimates of serious life events and correspondingly high rates of PTSD in the Norwegian population support the paradox that countries with more resources and better healthcare have higher risk of PTSD. Possible explanations are high expectations for a risk-free life and high attention to potential harmful mental health effects of serious life events. None.

The prevalence of posttraumatic stress among women requesting induced abortion

Objectives To describe the prevalence and pattern of traumatic experiences, to assess the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), to identify risk factors for PTSD and PTSS, and to analyse the association of PTSD and PTSS with concomitant anxiety and depressive symptoms in women requesting induced abortion.Methods A Swedish multi-centre study of women requesting an induced abortion. The Screen Questionnaire – Posttraumatic Stress Disorder was used for research diagnoses of PTSD and PTSS. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were evaluated by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).Results Of the 1514 respondents, almost half reported traumatic experiences. Lifetime- and point prevalence of PTSD were 7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.8–8.5) and 4% (95% CI: 3.1–5.2), respectively. The prevalence of PTSS was 23% (95% CI: 21.1–25.4). Women who reported symptoms of anxiety or depression when requesting abortion were more likely to have ongoing PTSD or PTSS. Also single-living women and smokers displayed higher rates of ongoing PTSD.Conclusions Although PTSD is rare among women who request an induced abortion, a relatively high proportion suffers from PTSS. Abortion seeking women with trauma experiences and existing or preexisting mental disorders need more consideration and alertness when counselled for termination.

Posttraumatic stress disorder in a Swiss offender population.

Various studies have repeatedly shown an increased prevalence for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in delinquents when compared with the general population. Lifetime prevalence varies between 33% and 36%, and point prevalence between 17% and 21%. The aim of this study was to examine whether these findings are applicable to offenders detained in Switzerland. The sample consisted of 86 offenders. In order to control for over-reporting of traumatic life events three sub-samples (remand, sentenced/inpatient and sentenced/outpatient) administered by the Office of Corrections of the Canton of Zurich were examined. PTSD was diagnosed using the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale (PDS), a self-rating instrument for diagnosing PTSD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Version IV (DSM-IV). Point prevalence of PTSD was conservatively estimated at 27%. The three sub-samples did not differ in the prevalence of PTSD when adjusted for potential demographic differences. Seventy-five percent of the subjects had experienced at least one traumatic event that matched the criteria for a traumatic event according to the DSMIV. The Median number of traumatising life events according to the PDS was four in the examined sample. In this sample of male prisoners in Switzerland the prevalence of current PTSD was comparable to other international studies. The limitations and implications of these findings were discussed.

Posttraumatic stress disorder in a Swiss offender population.

Various studies have repeatedly shown an increased prevalence for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in delinquents when compared with the general population. Lifetime prevalence varies between 33% and 36%, and point prevalence between 17% and 21%. The aim of this study was to examine whether these findings are applicable to offenders detained in Switzerland. The sample consisted of 86 offenders. In order to control for over-reporting of traumatic life events three sub-samples (remand, sentenced/inpatient and sentenced/outpatient) administered by the Office of Corrections of the Canton of Zurich were examined. PTSD was diagnosed using the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale (PDS), a self-rating instrument for diagnosing PTSD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Version IV (DSM-IV). Point prevalence of PTSD was conservatively estimated at 27%. The three sub-samples did not differ in the prevalence of PTSD when adjusted for potential demographic differences. Seventy-five percent of the subjects had experienced at least one traumatic event that matched the criteria for a traumatic event according to the DSMIV. The Median number of traumatising life events according to the PDS was four in the examined sample. In this sample of male prisoners in Switzerland the prevalence of current PTSD was comparable to other international studies. The limitations and implications of these findings were discussed.